Our Proposals:
Nature Reserve
We are passionate about open space and the benefits access to nature can bring to us all. There is plenty of land around Ilchester but the connections into it are not so good, meaning that walks around Northover are limited to “up and down the Fosse Way” or via the footpath from Costello Hill to the river and beyond.
We would like the nature reserve to provide a protected resource for wildlife, as well as passive recreation for local residents of Ilchester and the surrounding area. We intend to retain existing hedges, trees and ditches, and significantly enhance the quality of "green infrastructure" by the creation of diverse habitats in accordance with Building with Nature standards. These will comprise native grass/wildflowers, dense native woodland, open woodland with wildflowers, and marginal planting.
Except for where required to protect new habitats, the nature reserve will be publicly accessible, with defined foot/cycle paths providing 1 and 2-mile circuits.
Our proposals for a nature reserve are shown on the plan below:
Nature Reserve Plan
The land we are proposing for delivery of the nature reserve is uniquely placed to join things up and is large enough to create a well sized open space open for all. We propose to incorporate a "bund" feature to help mitigate noise impacts from the A303, both to the nature reserve and beyond.
A typical section through the proposed bund to the A303
Access
Vehicular access to the nature reserve will be provided via the main site access from the west of the site, leading to a dedicated car park. Additional pedestrian connections through the built-development will provide access in numerous locations, including to the Fosse Way to the east and Hainbury Meadows to the south.
Management
We have established the Ilchester Nature Trust to support biodiversity and access to nature by the local community through the establishment of the nature reserve and by working in partnership with stakeholders such as Ilchester School. The ongoing management of the nature reserve is being considered, and this includes discussions with local partners and stakeholders. It is intended that the nature reserve would have full accreditation from Building with Nature and will provide a more sustainable and enriched natural habitat for wildlife and local people to enjoy.
